We haven't really done much to celebrate report cards until now. It seemed kind of silly to do anything for kindergarten "satisfactory" marks. But since J got such a fantastic report card, with lots of effort and above-grade-level marks, I really wanted to do something for J.
Apparently, rewards aren't uncommon in his school, but unfortunately, they're often rather extravagant.
I want this to be a reward, not some sort of motivator. I'm not about to give him cash or buy him something. But I will take him out on a date!
We went to see Tangled at the cheap theater. I let him choose what snacks we'd get. He chose a huge bag of popcorn, although he almost went for nachos. Then we stopped by McDonald's for an ice cream cone and talked.
He seemed to enjoy our evening out, especially staying up late. And he enjoyed the one-on-one talking.
I congratulated him on a great report card, and told him I was proud of him for doing his best. He said he felt like he was just doing "regular." I can relate to that! I always seem to set my gauge of normalcy by what comes natural to me. But as I see more and more of the world and what some people choose to do with their lives, I realize that when my gauge is pointing to "normal," it's actually reading well above average.
I think this attitude will serve him well. Putting in effort is just "regular" to him. Acing his "cold" spelling tests is just "regular" to him. Being a grade ahead is just "regular" to him. And that's a great way to be.
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